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South Africa Criminal Background Check – Teaching Visa Korea

South African citizens must submit an apostilled copy of a Police Clearance Certificate. The whole process to get an apostilled Police Clearance Certificate takes at least 1-2 months so you must apply as soon as possible!

If you can provide the Police with a sample contract, the process will be expedited and you can receive your Police Clearance in 7-10 business days. Please contact us to get a sample contract!

The Police Clearance must have been issued within the last 6 months. If you already have a Police Clearance and just need to get it apostilled, please note that the Legalisation (Apostillization) Service only apostilles Police Clearances that are less than 3 months old.

*We STRONGLY recommend that if you live in/near Pretoria to go to the Legalisation Office in person to apostille your Police Clearance. You can get it back the same day! If you cannot go in person to the Legalisation Officein Pretoria, when you first request your Police Clearance, please ask that it be legalised (apostilled) before it is returned to you. This will save you time & money so please carefully follow the directions below!

Getting a Police Clearance Certificate

Step 1: Fill out an application form (Annex 23B), click and download here.  

Step 2: Get a full set of your fingerprints taken by your closest Police Station or nearest South African Diplomatic or Consular Representative, if you are abroad.   Step 3: Mail the following documents & payment to SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria:

A completed & signed application form (Annex 23B)

A full set of fingerprints

A photocopy of ID document/passport

Cover letter to SAPS – Criminal Record Centre. Request a signature & stamp by the Criminal Record Centre of the South African Police Service so you can get it legalised (apostilled). If you cannot go to Pretoria in person to apostille it, it is important that you say in the letter for the Police Clearance to be sent for legalisation before it is returned to you.

Proof of payment

A fee of ZAR59-00 (either a South African bank guaranteed cheque, bankers draft, money order, or electronic payment into the South African Police Service account made payable to the South African Police Service, is acceptable).

**For expedited requests only: A copy of your employment contract

**Only If you cannot go to Pretoria in person to apostille your Police Clearance:

Include a cover letter to the Department of Foreign Affairs – Legalisation Section indicating country in which certificate will be used (Korea), how many documents you want legalized (one), and your full contact details (Name, address, and phone number).

Include a self-addressed, pre-paid (no cash will be accepted) A4 size envelope to allow the Legalisation Section to return the documents to the customer upon completion.

Mailing Address:

The Head (Attention: Police Clearance Certificates)

Criminal Record Center – SAPS

1st Floor, Room 14 Botongo Plaza West

271 Schoeman Street

Pretoria, 0001

Republic of South Africa

  Below is contact information for the Criminal Record Centre if you want to inquire about the status of your Police Certificate.

Tel. Number: (012) 393-3928 Fax Number: (012) 393-3900

Email:  crcnameclear@saps.org.za / crc.client@saps.org.za or crc.clientserv.sec@saps.org.za

Website:  www.saps.gov.za – refer to information under the heading FAQ’s – Application for Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) for further information

**If you can go to Pretoria in person to apostille your Police Clearance:   Office Hours Opening hours to the public (Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays) 08:30 to 12:30 The Legalisation Section will give 7 days notice of any closure that is not a public holiday.  

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Start Your Teaching Career in Korea with Expert Guidance

Teaching in Korea is an exciting opportunity to explore a vibrant culture while building your career. At Planet ESL, we offer personalized job placements, visa support, and cultural training to ensure you feel confident and prepared. Our team of experts, with decades of experience in the ESL industry, is dedicated to matching teachers with reputable schools that align with their goals. Apply now and take the first step toward a life-changing experience!

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How to Travel Korea While Teaching English

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Language Academy (Hagwon) Training and Orientation in Korea

Even though many times applicants are not required to have any teaching experience prior to coming to South Korea to teach English, schools do not generally require new teachers to undergo any lengthy training or orientation. Most often, as the new teacher is coming in to begin his or her contract term, another teacher, just having finished his or her contract, is leaving. For the school, this means that any time given to the new teacher to acclimatize to the new environment means that students will not have a teacher to instruct them. Normally a new teacher is afforded one to three days after arrival to meet the boss, co-workers and students, learn about the school’s teaching methodology and to sit in on classes and observe the other teachers at work. However, new teachers should not be surprised if they are expected to “teach” the first day on the job. This “trial by fire” may seem a little daunting at first, but new teachers quickly discover that neither the school nor the children really care at all if the teacher knows what he or she is doing right off the bat; the opportunity for the students to speak face-to-face with a foreigner is all that matters. Teaching ability and confidence will develop in time.

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Find the Best English Teaching Jobs in Korea – Planet ESL

Join thousands of educators who have found success through Planet ESL! Since 1999, we have been a trusted recruiting agency, providing expert teacher placement services in Korea. From contract guidance to cultural adaptation, we offer full support to ensure a smooth transition. Let Planet ESL help you start your teaching journey in Korea today!

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Odd behaviors you might be surprised in Korea

People from different cultures understandably act differently when in public. What may be acceptable behavior in one culture may in fact surprise, shock or even anger a person from a different culture. To help lessen the chance that you may be shocked or offended by something you see or experience in a public place in Korea, PlanetESL has created the following list of things that are very common in Korean culture, but may not be so acceptable in others.

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Public Affection: Boyfriends and girlfriends show very little affection for each other in public. Kissing is quite uncommon, for it usually means the relationship is very serious and will likely lead to marriage. Contrary to this, however, friends (people of the same age) show quite a bit of affection for each other in public. It is not uncommon for two men or two women to hold hands or walk arm-in-arm when walking down the street, dance together, or touch each other’s hair or face. This can be a little unnerving to other people from cultures where public shows of affection between people of the same gender is often an indication of gay or lesbianism.

Not Waiting Their Turn: Not seen quite as often in Seoul as in the smaller cities and the countryside, whether you are waiting in line at the bank, in store, at the doctor’s office or getting on the bus, people of all ages will just push in ahead of you as if you and anyone else waiting in line were not even there. Queues and waiting one’s turn are foreign concepts in a small densely populated country where you learn to grab what you can when you have the chance, because if you don’t, someone else surely will.

Pedestrians Beware!: Contrary to car and pedestrian culture in North America where vehicles almost always stop and give pedestrians the right of way and are very sure to steer wide of people walking, in Korea it is completely up to the pedestrian to be aware of vehicles around them and make sure that they are a safe distance away when crossing a street or walking down a narrow lane. It is very common for vehicles to pass a walking pedestrian with barely inches to spare if they feel that they can squeeze by. Foreigners who are not expecting this can get a huge shock when their elbow receives an unexpected knock from a vehicle side-mirror because they moved suddenly just as the car was passing! Pedestrians must be constantly aware of their surroundings anytime they are walking in any location a car or motorcycle can access, whether that be sidewalks, narrow streets or even walking out of a store!

Spitting: Not done by just the men, even younger women in their 30s can be seen sometimes leaning over the street and letting a big gob drop out. You might hear someone hacking up a lung and loudly spitting it out behind and be shocked when you to turn around and find a 70-year old grandmother!

Taking Your Bag on the Bus: Don’t be alarmed if you are standing on the bus or subway train andsomeone who is sitting reaches out and tries to take your backpack or other heavy item you are carrying. They are just offering to share your load because they are sitting and you have to stand. They will give it back as soon as you make to leave.

Flagging Down the Bus: In Korea, to let the bus driver know that you want to take that bus, you need to stick out your arm and step into the street about a meter or two. If you don’t respond when he honks his horn from half a block away, he will just drive right on past.

No Courtesy on the Road: In Korea, there is no such thing as the right-of-way. Who ever is bigger, faster or in front owns the lane. Don’t sit at the corner with your blinker flashing, waiting for someone to kindly let you in because it won’t happen! You have to force your way in or the people behind you will pull out and around you and you will be stuck for hours.

Blocking Your Car In: In Korea, space is limited, so people park wherever they can; on the sidewalk, in store doorways and even blocking other cars in. People always leave their cell phone number on their dashboard, and a simple phone call gets them to come and move their vehicle. But don’t be surprised if you find they left their car in neutral and you have to push it to get out.

Crazy Motorcycles: There is only one rule about driving a motorcycle in Korea; there are no rules! They go anywhere they want, whenever they want. They go through red lights, they weave in and out of cars at busy intersections and they drive down the sidewalk when all else fails. Listen for their horn beeping and get out of the way, because no place is safe.

Getting Sardined on the Subway: Just when you think that no more people can fit into the subway car, Koreans are just getting started. They will literally put their heads down and take a running start to ram their way onto a loaded train. If you are unlucky enough to be standing by the door of a fully-loaded train when it arrives at a busy transfer point, do not be surprised when you are literally carried along by a mass of bodies and pinned against the backdoor so strongly that your feet are not even touching the ground and you can’t so much as twitch a finger.

Spitting Into Ashtrays: In order to stop butts from smoking and to prevent ashes from blowing over the table, smokers will often spit a large gob of saliva into an ashtray or paper cup. It is quite unsightly, but it works!

Public Urination: Some Koreans don’t seem to be very shy at all about this natural bodily function. Many men’s and lady’s bathrooms in older areas are just one bathroom with different stalls designated for each gender. And don’t be surprised to see someone peeing behind a car because they were too lazy to walk all the way to the toilet, or women holding a young child over a sewer grate to relieve themselves.

As many foreigners are shocked when they first see many these different public behaviors in Korea, likewise, Koreans are very often shocked or offended by some of the things foreigners do or say in public. The following is a list of things that foreigners in Korea should avoid doing in a public area if they can help it:

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Making Loud Noises: This includes talking loudly or shouting, laughing, whistling, and anything else that might disturb someone else. Koreans are normally very quiet in public places so as not to offend anyone.

Body Odor: Koreans take pride in bodily cleanliness and are easily turned off by body odor.

Public Shows of Affection: Most Koreans, especially older people, are very conservative and frown upon any show of public affection between boys and girls. This includes kissing, touching each other on the face and even holding hands! Quite surprisingly though, public shows of affection between friends of the same gender are very common, and it is not odd in the least to see two men or two women sitting side-by-side, walking arm-in-arm, or even holding hands!

Spiking Chopsticks in Your Rice: This means that the bowl of rice is reserved for the dead, and is commonly seen in ancestral ceremonies. If you want to switch to your spoon, lay the chopsticks along the top of the bowl.

Bending Over in Class: While this is not frowned upon, you might be the unpleasant recipient of what is known in Korean language as a dong-chib, a favorite practical joke of school-age children. It is performed by clasping the hands together and forming the first and second fingers on each hand into a straight point and poking them right where the sun don’t shine!

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Teach, Explore, and Succeed in Korea – PlanetESL

Ready to teach in Korea? PlanetESL has been connecting teachers with reputable schools since 1999. We offer full support, from job placement to cultural adaptation, ensuring a seamless experience. Join our network of successful ESL teachers and start your adventure today!

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Driving in Korea

The legal driving age for automobiles is 18 and 16 for motorcycles. Seatbelt use is mandatory and violators will receive a fine. Normal roadway speed is 60 kph and 80-110 kph on the highways.

Busy city roads often have a “Bus Only Lane” for the convenience of those who use a public transportation. Passenger vehicles holding less than six persons are are prohibited from using this lane. The “Bus Only Lane” is indicated by a blue line and is usually the far right hand lane. Cars drive on the right side of the road in South Korea, the same as in North America. However, unless you are from a very large city, you will find the style of driving here very different than what you are used to. The emphasis in South Korea is on offensive driving, as opposed to defensive driving. Driver courtesy is almost non-existent here…if your lane ends and you put on your turn signal to in the hope that someone will slow down and let you in to their lane, you could be waiting a very long time. Drivers must force their way in to the next lane by inching their car slowly into the next lane until the car coming from behind must stop or collide with them. Everyone here is GO! GO! GO!

Drivers will actually get angry at another driver for letting someone into their lane. No one is shy about using their horn either. As soon as that traffic light turns green they toot just to make sure you are not snoozing, they honk at other drivers to tell them not to pull into their lane and they bleat at drivers who won’t let them in. And there is no such thing as a yellow light. Drivers will speed up to try to beat the red light and it is very common for an intersection to get locked up by cars that couldn’t wait sixty seconds for the next green.

Driver Licenses

Foreigners may drive a motor vehicle in South Korea if they have a valid international driver’s license. If they don’t have an international driver’s license they can apply for a Korean driver’s license, though they will have to take both a written and road test. The written test must be completed in Korean, so if you can’t read or write Korean you are out of luck. However, if you have an alien registration card (all teacher’s with a valid E-2 teaching visa must get one within 3 months) and if you hold a valid driver’s license from your home country, Korean Driver Licensing will issue you a Korean driver’s license (valid for nine years) for the low cost of 20,000 won.

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Motorcycles

Used motorcycles are abundant and quite cheap in Korea (600,000 – 800,000 won for a 125cc) and are often the choice mode of transportation for many teachers. Contrary to several years ago where 125CC bikes and under did not require a driving license, all motorized vehicles, including 50CC scooters, require at least a motorcycle license to operate. Being caught driving without an appropriate license will mean that you will be prohibited from obtaining a motorcycle license for at least 6 months or a regular driving license for 2 years. You will also have to pay a fine. For more information, visit the Driver’s License Agency English website.

Insurance

Insurance is mandatory for all cars but not for motorcycles. In Korea, if an accident occurs, the party at fault is responsible for damages, including medical costs if anyone is injured. If the party at fault has insurance, they will only have to pay a portion of the repair and medical costs. However, if the party at fault does not have insurance, they could stand to lose a considerable amount of money. With insurance, repair and injury costs are set by the insurance companies, and accident victims can only claim a pre-determined amount, both for vehicle repairs and for injuries. However, if the party at fault has no insurance, victims can seeks the costliest repair facilities and hospitals, with nearly no limit on what damages they can seek. Insurance is fairly cheap and only gets cheaper each year that you go without an accident and can be easily purchased from one of many insuruance companies or even at a local post office, so it is extremely prudent for anyone driving any kind of vehicle in Korea to purchase a policy.

As a last note, if you have no driver’s license and are involved in an accident, you are automatically at fault, regardless of who was actually in the wrong, and any insurance policy that you may hold may be void for driving without the required license. Furthermore, if the party at fault cannot come to a monetary settlement with the victim(s), they will face criminal charges which can result in huge fines in addition to jail time.

Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving is never a good idea in any country and Korea is no exception. Korean police are extremely adept at placing breath-test roadblocks at locations that are impossible to avoid once you can see them. Refusal to take the breath-test will result in cancellation of your license. You are legally drunk in Korea when you have a blood-alcohol level of 0.05% or higher. Driving while intoxicated can result in anywhere from your license being suspended for 100 days to being cancelled altogether, and well as you being issued a hefty fine.

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Your Trusted Partner for English Teaching in Korea – PlanetESL

PlanetESL has been helping educators find rewarding English teaching jobs in Korea. Our expertise ensures a seamless transition into Korean culture and the ESL profession. We prioritize teacher success through guidance, preparation, and integrity. Whether you're new to teaching or experienced, we’ve got you covered. Start your Korean adventure with us!

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Where to get ESL resources in Korea

Description: “What the Book?” is the only English book sales site to offer foreigners the following options: pay for your order at our retail location, pick up your order at our retail location, and bank transfers to pay for your order. We know that foreigners in Korea do not like to send money home to pay for items they have bought using their credit card. “What the Book?” is the only book sales site in English in South Korea with a full search function. Other sites only allow you to search by author OR title. We allow you to do both at the same time. We are the only book sales site in Korea with a native English speaker on staff to help you with your customer service needs. Click on Live Chat for your questions. “What the Book?” is the only internet sales site to allow you to get certain titles in two days time!

Description: Seoulselection.com is a great site for buying Korean films on DVD with English subtitles, music CDs and English-language books on Korea at discounted prices. Customers at home and abroad can purchase items with their credit cards. Seoul Selection also has a bookstore just across the street from Gyeongbok Palace in downtown Seoul. Coffee and other beverages are available, along with gift items in the cozy little shop. Site is in English.

Description: With more than two million titles to choose from, Kyobo Bookstore is the largest bookstore in Korea. From every Korean literary work ever published to a wide selection of foreign language books, travel books and music publications, you can expect to find anything you want. They even have a very sizable English section which contains ESL books of all kinds, fiction/non-fiction novels, self-help books, study materials and more. If they do not carry the item you are looking for, the staff will be more than happy to order it for you. Besides books and magazines, there is a stationery store, music store, and a fast food shop. If you cannot make it to the store, you can order books online, however their website is Korean language only. Address: 1 Chongno 1-ga, Chongno-gu, Seoul, 110-121 Korea, South Hours: 10am-9pm Mon-Sat; closed 3rd Sun

Description: English+ pretty much has everything an ESL teacher needs from Teacher Resources, Books on Korea, Flash Cards, Kindergarten Materials, Supplimentaries, Tapes & Multimedia and much more.They are located at Chongno: 40 Chongno 1 ga Chongno-gu Seoul 110-121 Tel: (02) 732-5131~2. Chongno subway station line #2.Don’t forget to ask about their bonus card; every time you buy a book, points are added to your card. When you get 20,000 points, you can get 20,000 Won worth of books FREE.

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Description: From Teacher Resources, to Children Books and Bestsellers. Games and Classroom Materials. Books on TOEIC/TOEFL/TEPS. Story Books and Multimedia. For books you can’t find anywhere else.

Description: The largest source of ESL, EFL, ELD, ELL, ELT, TESOL, ESOL books and materialsin the world. We are proud to be entering our 25th year of offering you a thoroughly updated, high-quality selection of ESL publications and materials?all available through our easy, convenient, and fast one-stop shopping online service!

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Career Growth Opportunities After Teaching in Korea

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PlanetESL – Expert Placement for Teaching English in Korea

Looking for English teaching jobs in Korea? PlanetESL, established in 1999, specializes in recruiting and preparing teachers for an enriching ESL experience. From cultural adaptation to navigating contracts, we offer comprehensive guidance every step of the way. Trusted by teachers worldwide, we’re your gateway to a successful career in Korea.

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What are the different types of language academies in Korea?

Kindergarten students in Korea

No matter what country you are in around the world, children are cute, and that goes double for Korean kids. But no matter how adorable they are, kids are kids; it takes a certain personality to be able to handle more than one or two kindergarten-age children day after day. The good side is the hugs and smiles, giggles and laughter, and the boundless positive energy one gets from being around young children. The down side is the crying, the tantrums, the stepped-on toes or the finger-poked eyes, and some days it seems to take all your energy just to keep up with them. You either love it or you hate it; there is rarely an in-between. But regardless, if your school has morning classes, chances are you are going to have to teach kindergarten.

The trick to being successful with kindergarten classes is keeping the children busy. There are no grammar lessons or text books, and children that age cannot do writing exercises or practice conversation together. Your medium for English education will have to be things that will be interesting and entertaining; games and activities, songs and chants, flashcards and toys. You will need to utilize as many different technologies as you can; video and DVD players, tape and CD players, electronic games and computers are made available in many schools. And teachers will need to have many different types of activities planned for each and every class; if they are lucky and their activity is particularly enthralling, they may be able to hold the attention of their students for 10-15 minutes before they are maxed out on that particular activity.

Some find teaching kindergarten a breeze and leap at the chance, but for others it can be a demanding task that requires boundless energy and patience. Children that young most likely won’t amaze anyone with their English vocabulary or grammatical skill, but a strong foundation for future excellence in English can be laid by teachers who take their job seriously and put a lot of devotion and imagination into their kindergarten classes.

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Elementary school students in Korea

Once children enter elementary school, they begin to learn study habits and also become subject to the Korean discipline system, which still advocates the use of corporal punishment by teachers. First year elementary students may still be a bit of a chore to control, but by grade two students are fast to quiet down and sit straight when the teacher puts his/her foot down. Inexperienced teachers have to be aware that children will be children; if teachers do not maintain tight control over their class, the students will take advantage of this and engage in activities they normally would not, for instance, talking amongst themselves, reading comic books, passing notes or sleeping. Teachers have to teach, but they also much keep a constant watch on their students to ensure that they are focused and paying attention. The larger the class, of course, the more energy a teacher must put into maintaining control and discipline. Private school classes usually have no more than twelve students, so even inexperienced teachers will generally not have too much trouble keeping students in line. However, public school classes usually number between thirty and forty students and can be a nightmare for new teachers, which is why public schools usually require at least one or two years of teaching experience for an applicant to be considered for a position. Regardless, public and private schools alike will usually have a Korean teacher sit in with the new foreign teacher in their classes until they are confident that the new instructor can handle the class on their own.

With that said, the majority of teachers who have taught students of all age levels, kindergarten, elementary, middle/highschool and adult, will tell you that elementary students are without a doubt the most fun. Elementary students are old enough to do what they are told, they love English and jump at every opportunity to speak it, they have so much energy and are fascinated by their foreign teachers, and they love to laugh and have fun, whether playing games, singing songs or just studying their books. It does not matter if you are a teacher with ten years of experience, or if you are a fresh college/university grad who has never even tutored before; elementary age kids will hang on your every word, will jump at the chance to give any activity or new game a try, and will give almost every class their all.

For elementary age children, the trick to getting them to learn English the quickest, and quite often without them even realizing they are learning, is games. Kids LOVE games, and give every game their all, especially when the winning person/team gets a small prize such as a little sticker or a candy. Teachers should make it a point to end their class each day with an short activity or game specifically designed to let students put into practical use whatever that day’s lesson was about. When students know that they will do an activity or play a game at the end of each class based on that day’s lesson, they make an effort to really pay attention. Visit the Games & Activities Links page of our Teacher Resources section for links to great sites that specialize in ESL activities and games for students of all ages.

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Middle/High School students in Korea

Once students enter middle school, the fun part of their education is abruptly over and they begin a six-year-long haul of preparing for the entire purpose of their secondary education, the writing of their university entrance exams. The result of their university entrance exam will determine which universities they are allowed to attend. Only those students that attain the highest scores on their university entrance exams are allowed to attend the top universities in Korea, and those students graduating from top universities will in turn be hired by the biggest and most influential corporations and government offices, and so there are no second chances. Both schools and parents put massive pressure on barely mature minds to study, lean, and to excel. At the end of each semester of their secondary education their performance is scrutinized and they are forced to take remedial and private school classes to improve their weak points. Beginning the first year of middle school, study hours at both public schools and hagwons steadily increase until at the end of high school students are studying upwards of sixteen hours a day, six days a week.

Now add to this other pressures such as puberty, over-bearing parents, being accepted by peers, learning about dating and sexuality, and trying to find one’s identity in a society that puts very strict limitations on the dress, hair styles, attitudes and individuality of young people, and ESL teachers might begin to understand why many of their middle or high school students are unwilling or unable to put a lot of energy into learning English.

Teachers of this age group will be most successful when they treat their students as individuals and really take the time to get to know them. Encouraging students to be themselves and express their opinions freely will really help to create a positive atmosphere where students are not afraid to open up and get involved. Activities such as role-playing and free conversation that encourage creativity and participation really help to get students involved and help to create a more lively atmosphere, and teachers should be sure to choose conversation topics that students of that age and social experience can understand and relate to. It does take some effort to get through to students sometimes, but the students will be grateful for the opportunity your class represents to escape from their busy schedules and be themselves.

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Adult students

Adults are undeniably the easiest to teach in terms of class discipline and control. Not only are they mature and not prone to fighting or crying like younger children, but, as opposed to many middle and high school students who are forced to study English by their parents, adults actually have a genuine interest in learning English and so WANT to be in your classroom, not to mention that they are most likely shelling out their own hard-earned money for your class.

But teaching adult classes will require that you be prepared. Adults are not interested in time-fillers like games and songs; they want to utilize as much time as possible with the foreign teacher to practice both their speaking skills and listening comprehension skills. Conversation topics, reading assignments, and grammar and vocabulary lessons must all be carefully tailored to match each class’s level and ability. Furthermore, as the instructor, the onus falls on you to keep the class active and motivated. Studying can be a very boring process, and so teachers needs to be adept at creating interesting conversation topics, or taking boring and mundane lessons and adding flare to them so that there is always a positive atmosphere in the class. A good teacher constantly monitors the emotional condition of each individual student and also the general atmosphere of the class as a whole and can alter lessons, guide conversation topics or even completely change the style of the class if the students are not responding positively.

Teachers of adult classes should try to utilize different kinds of activities, class styles and technologies to enhance their class and keep the pace fresh and positive. Different activities, such as role-playing and putting on short plays or skits, give students a break from the normal class style and enable them to put into practice what they have learned. Students really enjoy learning the words to their favorite English song, or even learning the script to their favorite TV show so that they can follow and echo every word and phrase. Keeping an open mind and listening to what your students want and enjoy will enable a teacher to keep classes energized and make your students happy to attend every single day.

New teachers to Korea need to be aware that even though they are voluntarily taking your class, many adult students may be shy to speak out if there are other students who speak much better than them. Just as important, however, will be the teacher’s need to control other students who, purposely or just out of excitement, monopolize the floor all the time, hardly giving anyone else a chance to speak. Giving each student an equal opportunity to speak and being able to get them to participate is key to developing their ability, both in speaking and in comprehension.

Also, teachers must be prepared for adult students always wanting to know the secret to easily and quickly learning English. Many people try things like listening to English tapes while sleeping with the notion that they can learn the language unconsciously, or watching hours and hours of English TV shows in the hopes of suddenly understanding what everyone is talking about. Be prepared to have to explain to them that there is NO easy trick and that there is NO overnight solution to the learning conundrum. They are just going to have to face it that the only way they are going to learn to speak a second language is though hard work, devotion and patience.

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Your ESL Dream in Korea Starts Here

Teaching English in Korea is easier with PlanetESL by your side. We guide you step-by-step through hiring and prepare you for cultural and work-related changes. Our support doesn’t stop after placement—we’re here for you throughout your journey. With our experience and care, we ensure you thrive both professionally and personally. Explore Korea with confidence!

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Housing benefit for English teaching job in Korea

All standard contracts in Korea include semi-furnished accommodations paid for by the employer. This is usually in the form of a studio or one-bedroom apartment, may be private or shared with another teacher and is usually within walking distance of the place of employment. If the accommodations are shared, each teacher will have his or her own bedroom with the kitchen, bathroom and other living space being shared with one or more other teachers.

Accommodations are usually quite decent and Korean employers are very mindful of gender issues. Teachers never have to live with their boss or a Korean family, though there may be some sort of temporary living arrangement when they initially arrive in Korea while an apartment is found or until a previous teacher leaves. The living quarters are always semi-furnished and usually supplied with items normally required for daily living in Korea; a fridge and gas range, a washing machine, a TV, a fan, table and chairs, a telephone, a bed, a wardrobe and basic kitchen items such as pots, utensils etc. Teachers may also be provided with a VCR, an air-conditioner, a desk, a sofa and personal bedding, but this is not a rule.

All other costs associated with normal living such as utilities (gas, water, electricity, telephone, cable, internet), food and repairs to damage incurred during the course of the teacher’s stay etc., are the teacher’s responsibility.

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Professional Support for ESL Teachers

PlanetESL offers expert advice and personalized support to teachers pursuing ESL opportunities in Korea. We prioritize your needs, ensuring a smooth transition and a rewarding experience in this vibrant country.

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Types of religion in Korea

For many Koreans, the emphasize spiritual aspects of life and religion are a source of strength and support. Statistics indicate that most Koreans have a religion- Christian, 49 percent; Buddhist, 47 percent, Confucianist, three percent; Shamanist, Ch´ondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way) and others, 1 percent (CIA, 2000). Historically, kings in the United Silla and Koryo dynasties encouraged Buddhism, while those in the Choson dynasty switched to Confucianism, blaming corrupted Buddhism for the previous kingdoms’ demise. Currently, Koreans enjoy freedom of choice in religion and lead a rather harmonious life despite their diverse religions, even among family members. The various belief systems are mutually reinforcing and do not conflict with values that underlie the daily lives of Koreans. Koreans tend to be open to the teachings of other religions and respect others’ choices, so they are puzzled when violent wars break out over religious conflicts in other parts of the world.

It is not a surprise then, that the beliefs and values reflected in common Korean culture are a sophisticated mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism, Shamanism and other religions. Influences from Buddhism are reflected in attitudes of benevolence toward all living creatures and beliefs about this world and a thereafter in the concept of karma. Confucian influences are seen in ancestor worship and the moral codes for proper human relationships. Shamanism is reflected in animistic orientation and thinking. The Umyang theory (Yin-Yang in Chinese) is seen in folk religious beliefs of the human as an integral part of nature, which requires people to learn the ways of nature and harmonize with them. Confucianism is more a philosophy than a religion, but the teachings of Confucianists pervade the way Korean people have thought and behaved over the past five to six centuries. Many believe that Korea was influenced more by Confucianism than was China, Confucius’ native country. In addition to Confucianism, the lives of Korean immigrants are also heavily influenced by Buddhism and Christianity in ways that are briefly summarized below. Nearly half of Koreans consider Buddhism their religion and think of “Buddha’s birthday” as a national holiday parallel to “Jesus’ birthday,” Christmas. Buddhism is reflected in the beliefs of reincarnation and retribution. For example, all creatures alive in the world must go through an endless cycle of birth, getting old, illness, and death. In the Buddhist belief, disability is part of a natural life process. Buddhists emphasize benevolence and believe in reincarnation, in other words, what you are now depends upon how you lived in your previous life. How you live your life now will decide your life after death. Christianity was introduced to Korea in the 18th century through the Jesuit missionaries. It spread so quickly that the king considered a threat to national unity and actively persecuted the early missionaries. In the late 19th century, Protestant missionaries arrived and established many hospitals and schools. Koreans have embraced Christianity in its many forms. Currently, nearly half of the Korean population is Christian and many of the largest Christian churches in the world are located in Korea. Membership in Korean-American Christian churches also has grown rapidly.